Thomaston proposes fireworks ban

Public meeting May 8

By Beth A. Birmingham | Apr 30, 2014

Photo by: Beth A. BirminghamRepairing the facade at Watts Hall in Thomaston began April 28. A warrant article will seek approval to raise an additional amount of funds should the project exceed the existing $68,000 estimation.

Thomaston — The Thomaston Board of Selectmen held a public hearing during its April 28 regular meeting. Less than five residents attended to hear plans for a possible fireworks and sky lantern ordinance that will be voted on in June.

The hearing was to accept comments pertaining to a question for the Tuesday, June 10 referendum vote. The question "Shall an ordinance called the Town of Thomaston Consumer Fireworks and Sky Lantern Ordinance be enacted?"

Town Attorney Paul Gibbons was in attendance to answer any concerns, and to help the board convey how to make certain when a voter fills out their ballot June 10, they know exactly what "yes" and "no" mean.

A vote of "yes" would approve the ordinance and not allow for any use of consumer fireworks as it would be regulated by the municipality, according to Town Manager Valmore Blastow.

"A vote of 'no' would maintain the current status quo — which state law allows for the use of consumer fireworks in all municipalities that do not regulate them," said Blastow.

"The referendum vote is the fairest way and will allow more people to have input," said Blastow.

Thomaston will vote on this at the polls June 10, from 8 am. to 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall.

An informational meeting will also be held Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m. at Watts Hall. Additional items on the agenda are proposed rezoning in urban residential districts and Chapter 7 and 10 land use ordinances.

Other items discussed at the April 28 board meeting were combining with the City of Rockland on a joint bid for center line painting, subject to Rockland's approval.

Also the board discussed the wording of a warrant article that would ask voters to raise and appropriate an additional amount of money in the event the repair project begun on the facade at Watts Hall exceeds the amount already estimated.

Thomaston's town meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall.

I agree and hope this passes. I live in Rockland and can clearly hear all the fireworks in Thomaston. It drives me and my dogs crazy!

Posted by: Amanda Brown | Apr 30, 2014 08:20

I wish this had happened sooner. It's one of the reasons we moved out of Thomaston. We spent the entire summer listening to loud fireworks that scared our pets and baby. The police could do nothing. Hope it passes!